The Calyon Security Airlines Conference was on Thursday, and apparently some interesting things came from JetBlue.
From BusinessWeek:
JetBlue Airways Corp. said Thursday it is considering launching a premium snack service, although the company hastened to add that it will still offer free snacks.
Before this service is judged I think we all need to see a menu, but I’m guessing it will probably be basic things like sandwiches. I wonder if it will be limited to only the longer flights. Anyway, I like JetBlue’s thinking. There is a big difference betweeen what JetBlue and the legacies have done. When some of the legacies took away domestic food service (and when United considered removing meals in coach on Europe flights), they took away something that was free. But JetBlue is just adding another aspect to their service. The latter results in a much kinder reaction from consumers, I think.
On another topic, JetBlue has been limiting its capacity growth lately, which can be difficult when there are aircraft on order. Well, a solution has been found. Two E190s are being leased and four sold to Azul down in Brazil. Sound familiar? It should – Azul is the latest project of David Neelman, founder of JetBlue. You can see the SEC filing here and a story on it in Flight Global here.
Neeleman should get those 190′s. He’s the one who signed that ridiculously aggressive order anyway.
Maybe this was all part of his plan…
…nah.
Agree with your conclusion. There’s nothing wrong with “revenue enhancements” as long as they don’t come at the cost of existing services. That being said, I question how successful a “premium snack service” would be if you already get as many free (decent) snacks as you want.
You do make a good point, Lucky. Though I think there is some potential with the transcon flights – maybe some hot breakfast items for the redeyes?